BETA

Awaiting final decision



2013/0285(NLE) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (1995) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO): signing and/or ratification by Member States
RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead EMPL RIBEIRO Sofia (EPP) GENTILE Elena (S&D), GERICKE Arne (ECR), TØRNÆS Ulla (ALDE), ZUBER Inês Cristina (GUE/NGL), DELLI Karima (Verts/ALE)
Lead EMPL CASA David (PPE)
Opinion PECH
Opinion PECH THOMAS Isabelle (S&D)
Opinion TRAN
Lead committee dossier: EMPL/8/00215
Legal Basis TFEU 043-p2, TFEU 046, TFEU 062, TFEU 153-p1, TFEU 218-p6a

Activites

  • 2015/04/28 Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
    • T8-0097/2015 summary
  • 2015/03/26 Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
    • A8-0064/2015 summary
  • 2015/03/24 Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • 2015/01/12 Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
  • 2014/12/17 Legislative proposal published
    • 15528/2014 summary
    • DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/', 'title': 'Maritime Affairs and Fisheries'}, VELLA Karmenu
  • 2013/08/20 Initial legislative proposal published
    • COM(2013)0595 summary
    • DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/', 'title': 'Maritime Affairs and Fisheries'}, VELLA Karmenu

Documents

  • Initial legislative proposal published: COM(2013)0595
  • Legislative proposal published: 15528/2014
  • Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading: A8-0064/2015
  • Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T8-0097/2015

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

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  • The European Parliament adopted by 621 votes to 10, with 12 abstentions, a European Parliament legislative resolution on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to become party, in the interest of the European Union, to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organization.

    The European Parliament gave its consent to the draft Council decision.

    The decision under consideration is intended to enable Member States to ratify the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F Convention) without encroaching on the EU’s exclusive competence regarding the recognition of regulated professions pursed by EU nationals on board fishing vessels.

    The STCW-F Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London on 7 July 1995; the 74 participating governments included those of 22 of the present EU Member States. The STCW-F Convention has been ratified by four Member States to date (Spain, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania).

    The object of the STCW-F Convention is to ensure that personnel sailing on fishing vessels are qualified (as evidenced by official certificates) and fit for the job (on the strength of a medical certificate), so that potential threats to safety of life and/or property at sea or to the marine environment can, wherever possible, be minimised when operations are being carried out on seagoing vessels.

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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0097
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  • type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0097/2015
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  • The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs adopted the report by Sofia RIBEIRO (PPE, PT) on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to become party, in the interest of the European Union, to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organization.

    The parliamentary committee recommended that the European Parliament gives its consent to the draft Council decision.

    To recall, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F Convention) was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London on 7 July 1995; with 74 participating governments, including those of 22 of the present EU Member States. To date, four Member States to date (Spain, Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania) have ratified this convention.

    Its objective is to ensure that personnel sailing on fishing vessels are qualified (as evidenced by official certificates) and fit for the job (on the strength of a medical certificate), so that potential threats to safety of life and/or property at sea or to the marine environment can, wherever possible, be minimised when operations are being carried out on seagoing vessels. The EU as such cannot ratify the STCW-F Convention, the power to do so being accorded solely to Member States. However, following the precedent set by the Court of Justice as regards external competence (AETR), Member States are not allowed to ratify the STCW-F Convention without EU authorisation.

    The decision under consideration is intended to enable Member States to ratify the STCW-F Convention without encroaching on the EU’s exclusive competence regarding the recognition of regulated professions pursed by EU nationals on board fishing vessels.

activities/4/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2015-0064&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A8-0064/2015
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2015-03-26T00:00:00
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EP
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committees
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activities/3/committees
  • body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: GENTILE Elena group: ECR name: GERICKE Arne group: ALDE name: TØRNÆS Ulla group: GUE/NGL name: ZUBER Inês Cristina group: Verts/ALE name: DELLI Karima responsible: True committee: EMPL date: 2014-09-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: EPP name: RIBEIRO Sofia
  • body: EP responsible: True committee: EMPL date: 2013-12-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: CASA David
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Fisheries committee: PECH
  • body: EP responsible: False committee: PECH date: 2013-09-18T00:00:00 committee_full: Fisheries rapporteur: group: S&D name: THOMAS Isabelle
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Transport and Tourism committee: TRAN
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150
activities/1/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to become party, in the interest of the European Union, to the International Convention of 1995 on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel was adopted on 7 July 1995 at the International Conference convened by the IMO in London, where 74 governments participated, 22 of which were Member States of the EU. The Convention entered into force on 29 September 2012.

    The Convention represents a significant contribution to the fishing sector at international level by promoting the safety of life and property at sea, thereby also contributing to the protection of the marine environment. Fishing at sea is one of the most hazardous professions, and therefore, appropriate training and qualifications are an essential means by which to cut the number of accidents.

    The Union cannot become party to the Convention, as only states can be parties thereto. Some Member States have not yet become party to the Convention, while others already Have done so. Those Member States which have fishing vessels flying their flag, ports receiving seagoing fishing vessels which fall within the scope of the Convention, or training institutions for fishing vessel personnel, and which have not yet become party to the Convention, are invited to do so.

    CONTENT: under the proposal, Member States would be authorised to become party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organisation, adopted on 7 July 1995, in respect of those parts falling under the competence of the Union.

    When reporting to the Secretary-General of the IMO, Member States shall, if appropriate, with provide information on relevant national provisions regarding the recognition of certificates of competency of personnel on board fishing vessels covered by the Convention, taking into account obligations laid down by relevant Union law on the recognition of qualifications.

    Member States which have fishing vessels flying their flag, ports receiving seagoing fishing vessels which fall within the scope of the Convention, or training institutions for fishing vessel personnel, and which have not yet become party to the Convention, shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to deposit their instrument of accession to the Convention with the Secretary-General of the IMO within a reasonable time and, if possible, within two years following the publication of the Decision.

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activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to sign and/or ratify, in the interest of the European Union, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

    for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: the Convention of the International Maritime Organisation on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (the 'IMO' and 'the STCW-F Convention' respectively), was adopted on 7 July 1995 at the International Conference convened by the IMO in London at which delegations of 22 attending Member States voted in favour of its adoption.

    The objective of the STCW-F Convention is to ensure that personnel on board fishing vessels are qualified (as proven by an official certificate) and fit for the job (following medical examination), so that potential threats to safety of life and/or property at sea or to the marine environment are minimised during operations on board sea-going vessels, bearing in mind that fishing at sea is one of the most hazardous professions.

    Another aim of the Convention is to achieve and maintain a level playing field in the fisheries sector by fostering vocational education.

    Pursuant to the right of freedom of movement of workers, in matters of professional qualifications, Directive 2005/36/EC sets clear rules on mutual recognition between Member States under the so-called "general system of recognition". The Directive applies to EU nationals wishing to pursue a profession in another Member State where this profession is regulated, except where, for a given profession and in accordance of the principle of lex specialis, other specific rules directly related to the recognition of professional qualifications are laid down by a separate piece of legislation under EU law.

    The STCW-F Convention does not lay down a system of recognition of professional qualifications similar to the one established by Dir.2005/36/EC. On the contrary, the STCW-F Convention does not admit the use of certificates issued by States that are not party to the Convention. However, Member States are under the obligation to comply with EU law, namely to the provisions contained in Dir. 2005/36/EC.

    In accordance with case law of the Court of Justice on external competence, the Member States are not allowed to ratify the STCW-F Convention without European Union authorisation as the provisions concerning the recognition of regulated professions pursed by EU nationals on board fishing vessels affect the exercise of the European Union's exclusive competence in this area.

    As regards those Member States that have already ratified the Convention before the entry into force of the proposed Decision, they are required to deposit with the IMO Secretary-General a statement whereby they acknowledge that EU law shall prevail in case of conflict in relations between Member States.

    Against this background, it is now appropriate, in the interest of the Common Fisheries Policy, to authorise the Member States to sign and/or ratify the international Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 43(2), 46, 53(1) and 62 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: with this proposed Decision, the Commission proposes that the Member States are authorised to sign and/or ratify the international Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation, adopted on 7 July 1995, for the parts falling under the European Union's competence.

    The authorisation to the Member States shall be granted on condition that they formulate a reservation when depositing their instrument of ratification to the effect that European Union law shall continue to be applied in their mutual relations.

    Those Member States that have already ratified the Convention, shall submit a statement to the Secretary-General of IMO whereby they state that Union law relating to recognition of professional qualifications applies in relations between Member States.

    The proposed Decision will therefore enable and encourage Member States to take all the necessary steps for ratification without further delay.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: this proposal has no implications for the EU budget.

activities/2
date
2015-01-12T00:00:00
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EP
type
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
committees
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
EMPL/8/00215
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Preparatory phase in Parliament
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Awaiting committee decision
activities/0/commission/0/Commissioner
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DAMANAKI Maria
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VELLA Karmenu
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DAMANAKI Maria
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VELLA Karmenu
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DAMANAKI Maria
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VELLA Karmenu
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to sign and/or ratify, in the interest of the European Union, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

    for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: the Convention of the International Maritime Organisation on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (the 'IMO' and 'the STCW-F Convention' respectively), was adopted on 7 July 1995 at the International Conference convened by the IMO in London at which delegations of 22 attending Member States voted in favour of its adoption.

    The objective of the STCW-F Convention is to ensure that personnel on board fishing vessels are qualified (as proven by an official certificate) and fit for the job (following medical examination), so that potential threats to safety of life and/or property at sea or to the marine environment are minimised during operations on board sea-going vessels, bearing in mind that fishing at sea is one of the most hazardous professions.

    Another aim of the Convention is to achieve and maintain a level playing field in the fisheries sector by fostering vocational education.

    Pursuant to the right of freedom of movement of workers, in matters of professional qualifications, Directive 2005/36/EC sets clear rules on mutual recognition between Member States under the so-called "general system of recognition". The Directive applies to EU nationals wishing to pursue a profession in another Member State where this profession is regulated, except where, for a given profession and in accordance of the principle of lex specialis, other specific rules directly related to the recognition of professional qualifications are laid down by a separate piece of legislation under EU law.

    The STCW-F Convention does not lay down a system of recognition of professional qualifications similar to the one established by Dir.2005/36/EC. On the contrary, the STCW-F Convention does not admit the use of certificates issued by States that are not party to the Convention. However, Member States are under the obligation to comply with EU law, namely to the provisions contained in Dir. 2005/36/EC.

    In accordance with case law of the Court of Justice on external competence, the Member States are not allowed to ratify the STCW-F Convention without European Union authorisation as the provisions concerning the recognition of regulated professions pursed by EU nationals on board fishing vessels affect the exercise of the European Union's exclusive competence in this area.

    As regards those Member States that have already ratified the Convention before the entry into force of the proposed Decision, they are required to deposit with the IMO Secretary-General a statement whereby they acknowledge that EU law shall prevail in case of conflict in relations between Member States.

    Against this background, it is now appropriate, in the interest of the Common Fisheries Policy, to authorise the Member States to sign and/or ratify the international Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 43(2), 46, 53(1) and 62 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: with this proposed Decision, the Commission proposes that the Member States are authorised to sign and/or ratify the international Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995, of the International Maritime Organisation, adopted on 7 July 1995, for the parts falling under the European Union's competence.

    The authorisation to the Member States shall be granted on condition that they formulate a reservation when depositing their instrument of ratification to the effect that European Union law shall continue to be applied in their mutual relations.

    Those Member States that have already ratified the Convention, shall submit a statement to the Secretary-General of IMO whereby they state that Union law relating to recognition of professional qualifications applies in relations between Member States.

    The proposed Decision will therefore enable and encourage Member States to take all the necessary steps for ratification without further delay.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: this proposal has no implications for the EU budget.

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  • date: 2013-08-20T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2013/0595/COM_COM(2013)0595_EN.pdf celexid: CELEX:52013PC0595:EN type: Legislative proposal published title: COM(2013)0595 body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/ title: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner: DAMANAKI Maria type: Legislative proposal published
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  • body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: GENTILE Elena group: ECR name: GERICKE Arne group: ALDE name: TØRNÆS Ulla group: GUE/NGL name: ZUBER Inês Cristina group: Verts/ALE name: DELLI Karima responsible: True committee: EMPL date: 2014-09-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: EPP name: RIBEIRO Sofia
  • body: EP responsible: True committee: EMPL date: 2013-12-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: CASA David
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Fisheries committee: PECH
  • body: EP responsible: False committee: PECH date: 2013-09-18T00:00:00 committee_full: Fisheries rapporteur: group: S&D name: THOMAS Isabelle
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Transport and Tourism committee: TRAN
links
National parliaments
European Commission
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  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/ title: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner: DAMANAKI Maria
procedure
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2013/0285(NLE)
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Decision
legal_basis
stage_reached
Preparatory phase in Parliament
subtype
Consent by Parliament
title
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (1995) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO): signing and/or ratification by Member States
type
NLE - Non-legislative enactments
subject